Chargers would have early tiebreaker edge with win

I know. I know. It’s way too premature to be talking about this. But let’s say the San Diego Chargers defeat the Broncos today.

In that case, the Broncos would still be leading the AFC West with a 6-4 record while the Chargers would be a game back at 5-5. Record still trumps all and there would be a six remaining games for the teams to decide things.

But should they end up tied? Again, beginning with the scenario the Chargers win today, they would have the early tiebreakder edge. The head-to-head tiebreaker would be a wash. The Chargers and Broncos would each have one loss in the division. But the Chargers would have only two losses in the conference (Cleveland, Broncos) while the Broncos would have three (Patriots, Texans, Chargers).

It appears the Chargers have the tougher remaining schedule (at Pittsburgh, at Jets, home vs. Ravens, Bengals) and that loss to Cleveland may come back to haunt them. And I know, this is a what-if report based on a what-if. But there you go.